Brimstone Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A mute woman just can’t catch a break because her creepy stepdad keeps popping up in different towns with a serious God complex, ruining her life one sermon at a time.

🍿 Brimstone: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Revelation: A Quiet Life Shattered

The film opens with Liz, a mute midwife, living a seemingly peaceful life in a small Western town with her husband and children. However, the arrival of a new Reverend sends Liz into a state of fear. She recognizes him, and his presence immediately signals impending danger for her family. This section establishes the central conflict and introduces the key players, creating an atmosphere of unease and mystery. Liz’s muteness adds a layer of vulnerability, while the Reverend’s arrival suggests a past that will soon resurface.

Exodus: Flight and Pursuit

Following a series of tragic events triggered by the Reverend, Liz is forced to flee with her daughter, Joanna. This section depicts their harrowing journey through the harsh landscape as they attempt to escape the Reverend’s relentless pursuit. Their flight is fraught with peril, highlighting the vulnerability of women in the Old West. This portion emphasizes the themes of survival and resilience. Liz’s determination to protect her daughter fuels her desperate attempts to evade the Reverend, showcasing her inner strength despite her physical limitations.

Genesis: Unveiling the Past

The narrative shifts to Liz’s earlier life, revealing her upbringing in a strict religious community. We learn about the abusive relationship she had with her father, who is revealed to be the Reverend. This section exposes the origins of the conflict and the trauma that has haunted Liz throughout her life. This section adds crucial context to the present-day events, providing insight into the characters’ motivations and the deep-seated nature of their conflict. The exploration of religious extremism and patriarchal control underscores the film’s themes of oppression and female agency.

Retribution: Confrontation and Sacrifice

The story returns to the present, culminating in a final confrontation between Liz and the Reverend. Liz is forced to confront her past and fight for her survival and her daughter’s future. The climax involves a brutal struggle, testing Liz’s physical and emotional limits. This section signifies the culmination of Liz’s journey and her ultimate assertion of agency. While the confrontation is violent and tragic, it represents Liz’s defiance against the forces that have sought to control her, even at a great personal cost.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Liz (Dakota Fanning): A mute woman relentlessly pursued by a vengeful Reverend due to a shared, dark past.
• The Reverend (Guy Pearce): A diabolical and sadistic preacher who is hunting Liz with unwavering zeal.
• Joanna (Emilia Jones): Young Liz, showcasing her early life and the initial encounters with the Reverend.
• Anna (Carice van Houten): A character connected to Liz’s past, adding to the complex web of relationships and hardship.
• Samuel (Kit Harington): A man who provides temporary support and guidance to Liz during her trials.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• The Reverend: “People think it’s the flames that make Hell unbearable. It’s not. It is the absence of love.” – The Reverend explains his twisted view of hell, justifying his actions as a form of twisted love.

💰Box Office

• Budget: €12,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $16,643
• Worldwide Gross: $2,140,941

💥 Brimstone Reviews

Personal Review

Wow, Brimstone was intense. I went in expecting a Western thriller, and I got a whole lot more. The movie keeps you guessing as it jumps between different timelines. Dakota Fanning and Guy Pearce gave such captivating performances. The atmosphere was oppressive, and the story left me feeling emotionally drained, but also strangely satisfied. I would definitely recommend watching it to a friend. Just be ready for how graphic some of the scenes get.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of dark Westerns”
  • “Viewers interested in stories of female survival against oppression”
  • “Those who appreciate strong performances and intense atmosphere”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Sexual assault”
  • “Child abuse”
  • “Religious themes some may find disturbing”

Professional Reviews

• The Guardian: “Brimstone is undeniably bleak, a stark vision of the Old West steeped in religious fanaticism and brutal violence. Fanning delivers a compelling performance as the stoic Liz, but the film’s relentless grimness may prove too much for some viewers.
• Variety: “Koolhoven’s film is visually striking, showcasing the harsh beauty of the landscape. However, the non-linear narrative feels convoluted, and the extreme violence often overshadows the characters’ emotional journeys. Pearce is chilling, but the story ultimately lacks depth.
• Hollywood Reporter: “Brimstone doesn’t shy away from the brutality of its time. It’s filled with many different stories about violence, including chastising children and rape. This film has a good cast and storyline.

Audience Reactions

The acting was incredible; Guy Pearce was terrifying as the Reverend.: Most viewers praised the actors’ commitment to their roles and the unsettling atmosphere created throughout the movie.

A dark look at the wild west.: Many praise the realism of the setting.

Overall Consensus: Brimstone is a divisive film, praised for its performances and atmosphere, but criticized for its extreme violence and non-linear narrative.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Guy Pearce found the Dutch accent of The Reverend challenging, considering it one of the hardest accents to master.”
• “The film is structured in four chapters – Revelation, Exodus, Genesis, and Retribution – presented in a non-chronological order to build suspense and reveal the characters’ past gradually.”
• “Filming locations included Domaháza, Budapest, Hungary, used for Chapters 1 and 4 of the movie.”

🖥️ How to Watch Brimstone?

Brimstone is available for purchase or rental on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for streaming availability on services like Tubi or Pluto TV which sometimes offer it as part of their free, ad-supported content library. Physical copies (Blu-ray/DVD) are also available from major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Brimstone, you might like these similar films:

• The Witch (2015): Explores themes of religious extremism and its impact on a family in a historical setting.
• The Night of the Hunter (1955): Features a terrifying, religiously motivated antagonist pursuing the protagonist.
• Unforgiven (1992): Depicts the harsh realities of the Wild West and the consequences of violence.

🛒 Brimstone Related Products

• The Complete Western Stories of Elmore Leonard: A collection of the best Western stories by Elmore Leonard, known for their gritty realism and memorable characters.
• Frontier: The Complete Series [Blu-ray]: Follows the chaotic and violent struggle to control wealth and power in the 18th-century North American fur trade.
• Red Dead Redemption 2 (PlayStation 4): An epic open-world adventure set in the American West, with a compelling story, stunning graphics, and immersive gameplay.
• Hand Forged Iron Dinner Triangle Set: A rustic dinner triangle and striker made of hand-forged iron, used to call people to meals.

🎧 Soundtrack

Brimstone features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Abide With Me” – performed by Traditional Hymn
• “Original Score” – performed by Tom Holkenborg (Junkie XL)

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Brimstone reviewed by Mark Kermode

Ever wondered what the experts thought of ‘Brimstone’? Mark Kermode gives a super interesting review of the movie, and while he has some criticisms, he really breaks down why it’s a captivating watch. Definitely worth a listen if you want a deeper understanding!

Man Doesn’t Know How Dangerous The Little Girl He Kidnapped Is

Need a quick rundown of ‘Brimstone’ before diving in? This recap video covers the key plot points and twists in just 12 minutes. It’s a great way to refresh your memory and catch anything you might’ve missed!

✨ Rate